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A boost to the economy

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has returned to the island after a highly successful visit to Iran. It can be described as one of the most beneficial State visits undertaken to any country by a Lankan Head of State in recent times.

Iran has pledged an unprecedented US$ 1.5 billion in aid for mega development projects in Sri Lanka, which in itself is indicative of the very close ties between the two countries. This will be a major boost to the economy.

The development plans include the modernisation of the oil refinery and several irrigation schemes. The Iranian President will be in Sri Lanka next year in connection with these development projects.

These are essential development projects that will cost millions of dollars. Thus the infusion of Iranian aid will be a major boost for he country’s development drive.

The Treasury alone cannot fund all development and welfare projects due to budgetary constraints and foreign assistance can be invaluable in such instances.

Iran and Sri Lanka have also set an example to all Third World countries that they do not necessarily have to turn to the West for aid. It is a fine example for South-South cooperation, which is increasingly relevant in a globalised world. After all, it is well known that many First World countries impose various conditions on their aid, some of which may not be practical in a Third World context.

Certain forces were not pleased with President Rajapaksa’s high-profile State visit to Iran. In that context, the President’s visit to Iran assumed more significance as it opened a new chapter in the centuries old friendship and relations between the two countries. Iran has also pledged its fullest support to Sri Lanka’s peace efforts.

There are many ways in which Sri Lanka can benefit from Iran’s assistance and expertise. Iran’s expertise in the oil industry would be of immense help to Lanka which is about to embark on oil exploration in the Mannar Basin next year.

The expansion of the crude oil refineries, which can only supply half of the country’s requirement at the moment, will help save millions of dollars. The stoppage of refined petrol and diesel, which cost much more than crude, will alone account for a substantial foreign exchange saving.

The importance of developing the country’s irrigation system has been stressed repeatedly. Bilateral talks between President Rajapaksa and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad have focused on the Uma Oya project, which will benefit thousands of farmers.

Iran, though not primarily an agricultural country, has a reputation for implementing major agricultural engineering projects.

The two leaders also discussed railways development for which Iranian assistance would be useful as there is plenty of room for expanding Sri Lanka’s rail service. Likewise, the MoU signed on the power sector will be important as Sri Lanka plans to increase the power generation capacity to meet the rising demand.

The Sri Lankan tea industry will also have every reason to be pleased as Iranian leaders have pledged to import more tea from Sri Lanka. This is a golden opportunity for the Lankan tea industry to promote new varieties of the beverage in Iran. The establishment of Ceylon Tea Centres in major Iranians should be considered in earnest.

The President also appealed to the Iranian business community to invest in Sri Lanka, outlining the concessions and incentives granted to them. Iran has already held a number of highly successful trade fairs in Sri Lanka and Iranian companies regularly participate in shopping fairs in Colombo. The next logical step would be establishing Iranian companies here that can empower local youth and enrich the local economy.

We hope more Iranian companies would come forward to invest in Lanka following the President’s invitation.

An increase in the trade volume could also be expected following the President’s visit. Iran and Sri Lanka should work towards the signing of an economic partnership to improve their trade relationship.

The most important aspect of a bilateral relationship is people-to-contact. The tourism pact signed by Iran and Sri Lanka can go a long way towards promoting tourism between the two countries. The two countries should explore the possibility of having direct flights between Colombo and Tehran. The forging of mutual bonds among the two peoples will pave the way for an even more vibrant relationship.

We hope the international community would take serious note of the call by Iran and Sri Lanka to make the Middle East a nuclear free zone. Peace in the Middle East and indeed, the whole world is the need of the hour.

Endless Palestinian sufferings and Annapolis Conference

The endless sufferings of Palestinians and the grabbing of their lands, began with the advent of Zionist Jews in the 1930s, continue unabated even today, due to the blind support of the West and the indifference of the Arab regimes.

Full Story

Vigilance essential as LTTE?s thirst for blood rises

Prabhakaran?s speech reflects Tigers? desperation

Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran once again gave his annual message of terror both in words and action targeting innocent civilians in the South, as he has not yet quenched his thirst for blood.

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